Are palpitations dangerous?

The correct answer is maybe. Most of the time, palpitations are not dangerous. Palpitations are only a symptom and not an illness or medical problem. However, heart palpitations can also be a sign of a serious heart problem. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to be safe.

If you're experiencing frequent or severe heart palpitations, how soon should you seek help?

The correct answer is immediately. Seek help right away if you are short of breath, have chest pain, feel dizzy, lightheaded, sweaty, or if you just don't feel well. You should also see your doctor if your pulse is beating very fast or feels irregular, or if you have fainted. Even if your palpitations aren't bothering you, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up.

If you're having palpitations, does that mean you have a heart problem?

The correct answer is maybe. Palpitations are a common symptom and are often not a sign of a heart problem. However, people with heart disease may be more likely to have problems that cause palpitations. Some of these heart problems include:
• Narrowed arteries in your heart, called coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart failure
• Abnormal heart valves
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia)

Which other medical problems may cause heart palpitations?

The correct answer is all of these can cause palpitations. An overactive thyroid can cause heart palpitations. So can a low blood count (or anemia) -- the heart may need to beat faster or harder when you have anemia. Medicines used for asthma, many cough and cold medicines, and other medicines may cause palpitations. During pregnancy, your heart works harder to pump more blood.

What else may cause heart palpitations?

The correct answer is all of the above. Many people under stress may notice skipped or extra beats. Some cough and cold medicines cause palpitations, as can drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines. Herbs and supplements can also cause changes in your body, including both minor and severe palpitations.

If you see a doctor for heart palpitations, will you need tests?

The correct answer is maybe. Your doctor will talk to you and check your pulse, listen to your heart, and perhaps perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). He or she will ask how often you have palpitations, how long they last, and what other symptoms you have. Based on the results, you may need blood tests to check for anemia or thyroid problems. You may need a chest x-ray, echocardiogram, or need to wear a device for days or weeks that records your heart rate.

What can you do at home to prevent palpitations?

Exercise once you have your doctor's approval

Find ways to reduce stress

Reduce your caffeine intake

Tell your doctor about new medicines, herbs, and supplements before taking them

The correct answer is all of the above. It's important to get checked by your doctor. The tips mentioned above are steps you can take to help prevent or reduce the amount of palpitations you have. Reducing stress can help a lot. Take some time off, try some activities that you enjoy, and learn how to relax. If stress is a special concern, you may want to get extra support.

Considerations

Normally the heart beats 60 - 100 times per minute. In people who exercise routinely or take medications that slow the heart, the rate may drop below 55 beats per minute.

If your heart rate is fast (over 100 beats per minute), this is called tachycardia. A slow heart rate is called bradycardia. An occasional extra heartbeat is known as extrasystole.

Extrasystole

Ectopic heartbeats are small changes in an otherwise normal heartbeat that lead to extra or skipped heartbeats. They often occur without a clear cau...

Once a serious cause has been ruled out by your doctor, try not to pay close attention to heart palpitations. This may cause stress. However, contact your doctor if you notice a sudden increase or a change in them.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you have never had heart palpitations before, see your health care provider.

The following symptoms require immediate attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number:

Cardiac Arrhythmia: hear...

Animation

Cardiac Arrhythmia: heart palpitations and other symptoms - Animation

Electrocardiogram (ECG) ...

Animation

Electrocardiogram (ECG) test overview - Animation

Heart chambers - illustration

The heart consists of four chambers in which blood flows. Blood enters the right atrium and passes through the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs where it becomes oxygenated. The oxygenated blood is brought back to the heart by the pulmonary veins which enter the left atrium. From the left atrium blood flows into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood to the aorta which will distribute the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.

Heart chambers

illustration

Heart beat - illustration

Two distinguishable sounds can be heard during the cycle of the beating heart when listened to with a stethoscope. The heart sounds are usually described as a lup-dup sound. These sounds are due to the closing of the valves of the heart. Unusual heart sounds are called murmurs.

Heart beat

illustration

Yoga - illustration

Yoga is a mind-body exercise which combines stretching and controlled breathing to achieve relaxation and a stabilized mood.

Yoga

illustration

Cardiac Arrhythmia: hear...

Animation

Cardiac Arrhythmia: heart palpitations and other symptoms - Animation

Electrocardiogram (ECG) ...

Animation

Electrocardiogram (ECG) test overview - Animation

Heart chambers - illustration

The heart consists of four chambers in which blood flows. Blood enters the right atrium and passes through the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps the blood to the lungs where it becomes oxygenated. The oxygenated blood is brought back to the heart by the pulmonary veins which enter the left atrium. From the left atrium blood flows into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood to the aorta which will distribute the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.

Heart chambers

illustration

Heart beat - illustration

Two distinguishable sounds can be heard during the cycle of the beating heart when listened to with a stethoscope. The heart sounds are usually described as a lup-dup sound. These sounds are due to the closing of the valves of the heart. Unusual heart sounds are called murmurs.

Heart beat

illustration

Yoga - illustration

Yoga is a mind-body exercise which combines stretching and controlled breathing to achieve relaxation and a stabilized mood.

Yoga

illustration

A Closer Look

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Tests for Heart palpitations

Related Information

Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.